One of the biggest objections I hear to running is “oh my gosh, it’s so boring.” You know what that means? It’s time to try something different. When you’re starting to experience running for the first time, it can take a bit to settle into your running entertainment.

Through the years I’ve learned that everyone has their own way of entertaining themselves through a run. Whether it’s one mile or twenty-two miles, you have to figure out what works best for you. Our brains are all different!

Some runners choose podcasts, others prefer to stream a tv show (if they’re on a treadmill), some like music, others like silence.

Spotify Playlists

Personally, I’m a pop on some music and let my brain wander type of runner. Spotify is my go to music solution, mainly because I’ve found so many other playlists I love on there. There is something for everyone and you can find pretty much anything.

Years ago I started a playlist called upbeat running. Not understanding the ins and outs of Spotify it never occurred to me that others could follow it.  I add to it on occasion and others have added to it as well. I will warn you, it is explicit so I don’t recommend blasting it on the treadmill if kids are around.

I have playlists in my rotation for pretty much every type of mood. Generally I stick with upbeat running since it is over three hours long, but I will change it up on occasion. These are a few of my other running favorites.

How To Entertain Yourself While Running

Bonus, you can absolutely break out into song with ANY of these playlists. Have you ever run down a hill singing “I’m Super Girl” with your arms out wide? Okay, maybe that’s just me.

Podcasts

Everyone is different when it comes to running and I know many runners who cannot stand running with music because it can affect their pace. Podcasts can be another source of distraction if you need something to listen to on your runs. Here are a few of my favorites right now that would make for great running distractions:

  • The Rambling Runner
  • I’ll Have Another
  • Ali On The Run
  • Off The Vine
  • Coffee With Kate and Kri

Some of these are running focused and some are not. I like a good conversational podcast if I’m taking it for a walk. I have another group of podcasts that are perfect for working or winding down in the evening that I love spending more time focusing on.

Take Time With Your Thoughts

This one is the hardest for me, but something I think is important to do every once and awhile. Ditch the headphones and just listen to your surroundings. Say good morning to everyone you pass, listen to nature around you, hope that someone out there is blasting some good music early in the morning…. etc.

Lots of runners prefer this time alone to run in silence. There is nothing wrong with it!

When it comes to entertaining yourself on a run, it’s something that might take trying a few different things out. It didn’t take too long for me to realize that music is what gets me through a long run. Yet there are days where my headphones are just not hanging in there and I use the time to run with my thoughts.

The most important part is that you enjoy your run.

How do you like to run? Music? Podcasts? Quiet?